UKI Events Enablement Specialist Review

I have really enjoyed working at IBM, it has been the best year as a University Student. IBM give their placement students real responsibility and encourage them to take as many opportunity as possible. Personal growth is extremely important to IBM and this is seen through our regular reviews and encouragement to get involved with projects outside of our day to day role.

I feel extremely valued, my employees treat me as a permanent employee, giving me real responsibility. They always take the time out of their busy schedules to provide me with written feedback. They are extremely supportive and are always looking for ways to improve my skill set and find extra projects and people for me to shadow.

My manager has been incredible. She is very supportive, always checking up on how we are doing and that we are not over loaded with work. She is very involved and is also very keen to find opportunities for us. If ever we have an issue work related she is the first to helps us! I have had an amazing manager at IBM.

I have been very busy over placement, however I like to be busy and have taken on a number of extra projects. It can be up to you how busy you make yourself, another plus about IBM! My team have also been very supportive and quick to step in if I am overloaded.

I have been given a huge amount of responsibility. I have managed and run over 20 events during my placement. I have also run and managed two for our clients! I have done work for a number of senior people and am trusted to do so. IBM give you a huge amount of responsibility, you really are doing a real job!

The skills that I have developed are endless. My communication and confidence has grown massively. I have been thrown into situations which I would not normally put myself in and I have learn't to handle them with confidence. My presentation skills have also developed through our quarterly reviews. IBM also offer the opportunity to do training and to get involved with giveback projects which help to develop soft skills.

The general atmosphere is quite quiet as I ambased on the basement level. A lot of people work from home so it can just be the other interns in! However, whenever the team is in, the atmosphere is more buzzy. The team are really friendly and are keen to organise team bonding exercises. We also have quarterly team meetings which is followed by networking drinks! A great opportunity to increase your network.

My placement year was extremely well organised. We not only have our task manager, who delegates our tasks and manages our work load. We also have our direct boss who helps and supports us. In addition we also have an allocated EPM who is there if we have any problems. They also monitor you professional growth. You have regular reviews were they monitor your progress.

We have to complete regular mandatory training. However, as side from this there is an endless number of badges which you can do, which gives you training e.g. on how to build a chatbot. You can complete as many as you like and we are encouraged to do 40 hours of extra 'Think' learning. These badges can then be posted on our linkedin page.

I would really like to return back to IBM! They have been rated as number 1 graduate employee for the past two years. There graduate scheme is amazing! There is the opportunity to get involved with so much and also for financial promotion even within the graduate scheme! There is so much on offer, they really do invest in their graduates, providing regular training and rotation to build a wider network and skill base.

Yes amazing! We work from home on Fridays, so often the intern community meet up on Thursday evenings to network. We have an intern community on slack and we also have an annual Careers Academy event which is run by interns for interns to help them with their career beyond placement - a great way to end placement year!

I work in London so naturally it is more expensive. I live at home so have managed to save money over the year. However if you do end of living in London it will be a lot harder to save due to the cost. Students tend to live in Clapham in a shared house.

There are several bars and clubs around the Southbank area. Often the interns meet up on Thursday to go to happy hour at the bars nearby. Those students that live in London also tend to go out together at the weekend to the bars and clubs in London! There is plenty to do in London.

I was not involved in any activities outside of work. I believe that IBM have a football team which meet during the week. There is definitely the opportunity to get involved with extra curricular. There is also giveback opportunities where you can go back to your University and represent IBM. You can also go help at assessment centres! There is a wide of range of extra things you can get involved with.